Theo Walcott tells player to reject England call up for World Cup

Theo Walcott doesn't want one of the Premier League's most talented youngsters to make the same mistake he did.

Almost two decades ago, a 17-year-old Walcott thought he was the victim of a practical joke after being named in Sven-Goran Eriksson's 23-man England squad for the 2006 World Cup.

At the time of the squad unveiling, the teenager was taking the theory section of his driving test.

"I switched off my phone and put it in my locker," he explained. "I turned it back on at 3pm, phoned my dad and could not believe it was true really."

Walcott added: "He said to me you're in the England squad and I thought he was having me on. I was shocked and surprised as everyone was; my eyes were just popping out of my head. My first thoughts were that I can't believe this is true. First the move to Arsenal and then this, it is unbelievable."

Fast forward 20 years and Walcott has regrets. Speaking to The Mirror ahead of this summer's World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, he admitted he would have turned down the call-up.

Walcott pictured alongside David Beckham at the 2006 World Cup. Image credit: Getty

He also urged Arsenal youngster Max Dowman, who recently became the Premier League's youngest ever goalscorer at 16 years and 73 days, to turn down a World Cup call up if Thomas Tuchel does come knocking.

"I hope he [Dowman] doesn't go," Walcott began. "I don't mean it in a horrible way because if I could go back in time, I would change things.

"I would say to myself: 'No, no, don't do it' but then try telling that to a 17-year-old. I do still see him and me differently as he's playing in the Premier League but he needs to grow at his own pace, especially on the emotional side because he's a young adult.

"I had to grow up very fast but this team is still young and not as experienced. He's being protected, which is important, whereas I had to get thrown in to talk to you lot.

"In time he will go, yes, but I don't think this is the time and I think there are better players who arguably deserve to be there ahead of him.

Walcott added: "He will eventually get there but England have wide players doing really well, there's Bukayo [Saka], [Noni] Madueke, Jarrod Bowen and Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes on the other side."

Thomas Tuchel heaps praise on Max Dowman ahead of upcoming international break

Last week, England manager Tuchel said he has not ruled out taking Dowman to the World Cup.

"I keep the door open for anyone with any age," he said, ahead of England's upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

"Why would I rule it out? Of course it's impressive what he's doing. It's impressive the feedback I get from players and people who know him. So we will have a look at it and take the last decision when we build the squad in May."